MarkD chip for the ETA Engine

[Mike30e]

Considering purchasing a MarkD chip for my 86 325e, lots of threads on this I know, have searched a bunch on a few boards, but just looking for a few updated responses on how well it works on this engine. Any drawbacks to car's driveability with the chip? Really does make a big difference in hp? Engine is stock and in good shape... thanx.

[gearheadE30]

Diveability is actually improved with the chip. For the eta motor, a chip is probly the single greatest improvement you can make. I'm not sure how Mark's chips compare to the other eta options out there, but his chips are very well done and have no drawbacks aside from needing a higher grade of fuel. For the M42 at least, Mark's chips are the best there are.

[balooshinakus]

I love my markd chip, top end power is noticibly increased, now I jsut need to fix my damn coolant leak so I can drive the car around more and enjoy it. The first thing I noticed right away is the throttle response is way better with the chip. Only drawback I guess is using 91 instead of 87 octane but oh well.

I have an eta btw.

[ethree]

Drivibility is vastly improved. I agree with everything Gearhead said and you may notice a small increase in gas mileage if you keep your foot out of it.

[kid325e]

I've been trying to decide between the Dinan Chip for my eta or the Mark D Chip. They are both about the same price, i've heard nothing about the Dinan Chip but fear it's only cause no one here has one?

Anywho, i'm seriously starting to consider Mark D's chip.

[Mike30e]

It pulls strong and smooth up to the new redline?

[balooshinakus]

I've been trying to decide between the Dinan Chip for my eta or the Mark D Chip. They are both about the same price, i've heard nothing about the Dinan Chip but fear it's only cause no one here has one?

Anywho, i'm seriously starting to consider Mark D's chip.

Everything I have read says that the Dinan chip only works at WOT, so basically if you are driving out of WOT you will get no extra power but still be drinking 91 octane. I haven't tried any other chips but everyone recommends the Mark D, that's what I have and I love it. It's pretty hard to keep your foot out of it though, the cars a lot more fun to drive.

Car does pull much better to redline. Everything about the engines performance is improved basically.

[Mike30e]

Sounds like a no-brainer, will pick one up. thanx guys.

[jintermont]

looks like i know what im gonna get next for my 86 es

[urbancynic]

hows the fuel economy affected?

[balooshinakus]

It will go down because you will be driving the car a lot harder :-). Not sure if you manage to drive conservatively, I'd imagine it would go up slightly because the engine is being tuned to max performance not to pass emissions and whatnot, but you also have to pay more for gas.. I'd imagine this will cost a little more at the pump but I've not had mine long enough to tell, I can tell you that it's well worth it though :-)

[Wh33lhop]

It will go down because you will be driving the car a lot harder :-). Not sure if you manage to drive conservatively, I'd imagine it would go up slightly because the engine is being tuned to max performance not to pass emissions and whatnot, but you also have to pay more for gas.. I'd imagine this will cost a little more at the pump but I've not had mine long enough to tell, I can tell you that it's well worth it though :-)

From what I've heard it allows greater efficiency.

Better tune AFR-wise at all rpms and throttle positions and more timing advance is possible due to the 91 octane. More timing typically means more energy per fuel expended, and if eta motors run a bit rich under certain conditions then it will drop your mixture to a more stoic value, also increasing efficiency.

Only difference is you'll be paying for 91, so it'll probably balance out.

[urbancynic]

so it will mess with emissions then?

[Wh33lhop]

I doubt your car will fail emissions with a better tune. If it passed before the mark d chip, it will pass afterwards unless you screwed something up.

I'd search just to make sure but I highly doubt it will poorly affect emissions.

[F200]

I bought mine (MarkD) in the fall when he had a group buy. Changes the whole nature of the engine in very positive way. You will like it.
CM